I Knew What I Wanted and I Set a Goal

Alpha Sigma Lambda Member Guest Blog:

I never dreamt that I would go from being a 1.7 GPA high school student to being in a college honor society. Not only has Alpha Sigma Lambda given me the opportunity to be part of an honor society as an online student, but also as an active duty military member. My motivation to keep my 3.9 GPA is highly influenced by the organization and the high standards that it in embeds in the members. Graduating with Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics on the Flight Deck of the USS Midway at the Embry-Riddle Graduation in San Diego, California. Wearing the ASL Military Medallion, ASL Honor Cords, and ASL Stole.

During high school I was struggling so badly with my grades that I barely made it through, I had less than a 2.0 GPA if I remember correctly. No one else in my family had gone to college, so I really didn’t see a reason to either. I joined the military three months after my high school graduation. I really wasn’t sure what I was going to do in life, but I knew with my previous high school record that no college was going to take me. The military did a great job of showing me what I was capable of and always doing my best.

I was really enjoying my current job and being enlisted in the Air Force, but I knew I was capable of so much more. All new enlisted Airmen are automatically enrolled in the Community College of the Air Force, so I thought I would give it a shot and see what happens. I was able to graduate from the Community College of the Air Force at the top of my class, receiving the Air Force Pitsenbarger Award over the other graduates. I used this as more fuel for my motivation, I was determined to graduate with a Bachelor’s Degree in less than two years and take a shot at becoming a military officer and pilot. This would be tough considering that I would have to take four college classes while working a full-time job and taking care of my small family.

I knew what I wanted and I set a goal that would get me there.

I found a great online program through Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University that has programs focused on aviation for aspiring student pilots. I was knocking out college classes very quickly, but taking no time off from school was slowly starting to wear me down. Along the way, I discovered the Alpha Sigma Lambda Honor Society through my school counselor and was so excited to find out that as a non-traditional student, I would still have the opportunity to join a college honor society.

Being a part of ASL encouraged me to keep my grades very high and in order to keep my status in it. I accomplished my goal and graduated May of 2017 with honors and finished my Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics in less than two years.

I am currently in the running for an officer position as a pilot in the United States Navy. I am also currently on track to finish my Master of Science in Aeronautics next year. Being an ASL member and keeping my GPA so high has made me a very competitive Officer Candidate. I cannot thank ASL enough for helping me to achieve my dream and holding me to such a high standard among my classmates. I encourage any non-tradition, military or adult student to take full advantage of ASL and what it has to offer. I will definitely be representing ASL at the Master’s Graduation next year!